Floral Design:
The technique
behind the beauty
.¿Expressions of concentration,
determination, and
pride flash on their faces. Pieces of greenery cuttings,
plastic flowers, shears and knives cover their once
organized work tables. The students step back to
scrutinize their creations. They fiddle and pick until the
arrangement looks to their liking. A final touch. At last it
is completed. A satisfied sigh escapes one students lips.
The class is Commercial Floral Design. Marylou
Adams, the class’instructor related, “In one of my classes
I had a policeman. He did very well at designing, so well
he quit the police force and became a florist!”
The students are taught various table designs. They
concentrate on individual style, and technique and form.
They are also instructed on salesmanship. Floral Design
is the first part of a two-part segment. The last segment
deals with weddings and funerals. Upon completion, the
student is awarded a certificate. This enables them, if
they so choose, to get a job designing in some area of the
floral industry.
Of the 12 students in the class four students work
with florists. Three students are current Future Farmers of
America champions and are taking the class to further
their knowledge. The remainder of the students are par­
ticipating for their own personal gain or enjoyment.
After the arrangement are completed, the class and
its instructor critique each project. Adams said, “You are
not being criticized, you are being complimented.”
Adams feels this time is very important because it
enables the students to see their work from different
aspects. The critique helps students gain the confidence
and insight needed to be a successful designer.
Adams is very pleased with the program in the class.
‘This is only their third arrangement, and theyVe great,”
she related.
The rapport between Adams and her students is very
good. A friendly, first-name relationship is formed by the
end of the class. Adams takes special pride when referr­
ing to her former students. Several of Adams’ students
have continued in floral design or started a business of
their own. An instructor for four years at the college
Adams exclaimed, Tt’s great!”
One area Adams feels could be improved is in finding
a permanent 'class room location. Every week the
classroom is either the hydraulics room or the garage
shop in Clairmont. Much class time is spent transporting
floral material. But, this inconvenience doesn’t hamper
Adams’ spirit. Smiling broadly, Adams summarized, T go
home and I stay awake for hours. It’s a really neat high!”
FLORAL DESIGN INSTRUCTOR Marylou Adams explains
the good and strengthening aspects of this student’s table
arrangement.
ADDING HER FLAIR for creativity, this student styles her snap
dragons with satisfaction.
ADAMS ASSISTS THIS student with the important
guidelines of flower arrangement; balance, spacing and
facing. /
THE LOOK OF concentration is evident on this student’s
face as she nears the completion of her floral arrange­
ment.
Photos by Jay Graham - Story by Amy De Vour